Stella1952 Posted November 27, 2010 Share Posted November 27, 2010 I want to buy a larger melter. I don't want one that has a bottom heating element (like Prestos or Turkey fryers) because of their on/off elements melting the wax with much higher temps than I desire. I've read up on water jacketed melters and hot air melters because they surround the wax with precise heat, so no hot spots from bottom elements. I like the idea of heating the wax at a lower temp even if it takes a little longer. It seems like the hot air style makes a lot of sense, given that the water jacketed type have to be monitored closely for the water level.The ones I've been looking at are by Wenesco...http://wenesco.com/wax2.htmDoes anyone use a Wenesco (or other) convection hot air melter? How do you like it? Pros and cons, please... Does anyone know of other brands of hot air melters? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mparadise Posted November 27, 2010 Share Posted November 27, 2010 (edited) I LOVE my WJ melter. It is super easy to use and honestly keeping an eye on the water level has never been a problem. Even when I have it going 24/7 the water level barely moves. I just keep a 2lt soda bottle, that I washed out well, next to it filled with water to use to refill it as needed. I top it off about 1-2x a week, if that. Mine has the element in the bottom and the fill hole for the water is near the top. I was told to just make sure that you can see the water level from the fill hole and you are all set to go. I have NEVER not been able to see it. At most it has dropped about an inch during heavy use but the sides are about 12"+ tall so it wasn't even close to being an issue. I have one of the big rectangular ones (slab style). I picked it up on Craigslist cheap. It had only been used 2-3x. Edited November 27, 2010 by mparadise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella1952 Posted November 27, 2010 Author Share Posted November 27, 2010 That's comforting to know. Is the room where you use it pretty warm or cool? Because I live in the gulf south, evaporation is always a concern... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mparadise Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 (edited) My workshop is in the basement so it is fairly cool but damp so I have dehumidifiers running all the time. If I remember correctly it took 2-3+ gallons of water to fill it originally so it does have quite a bit in there. The hole is only about 3" across so the unit is fairly well sealed up so there really isn't much exposed water for it to evaporate from. I might be concerned if I ran it 24/7 for weeks on end without checking the level but otherwise I wouldn't be overly concerned. Honestly I filled mine to the top of the fill area in late September and haven't had to add any water since. Granted I have only fired it up 3 days and did a major stock up but still the water level hasn't really moved, even with the dehumidifiers. Edited November 28, 2010 by mparadise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simplybeelightful Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 I filled my water jacketed melter with vegetable oil and check the level once a year just to make sure it's okay (which it always is) and I have no issues with steam coming off the melter like I did with water. By the way, my melter runs 24/7. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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